A long time ago in a wee village far away, lived a community of vegetables. Yes, vegetables. Each of these vegetables are hard working members of this tiny community, working in produce gardens and then selling that produce in the local markets.

The star of this story is Garlic. She’s small, likes her sleep, is always anxious of what other people (vegies) think of her, and in her anxiety is often clumsy. Her best friend Carrot knows what Garlic is like, and is always helpful and patient, soothing Garlic’s worries. Then there is Celery. Celery is mean, unhelpful, self-centred and unforgiving.

Over-seeing this group of anthropomorphic (human-like) vegies is Witch Agnes. It is her magic that made these vegetables sentient, which she makes sure doesn’t affect any other vegies, especially the ones they are selling at the market.

Returning from the market one day, potato notices something. Smoke is coming out of the castle chimney. The castle that was said to be abandoned many years before – by a vampire! Garlic’s anxiety shoots higher than before, especially when Celery suggests Garlic is the perfect vegie to confront any vampire in their midst.

With some extra help from Witch Agnes and digging deep for her own courage, Garlic sets off, not liking it, but knowing that Celery is right.

I have never read a story where vegies are the main characters. There is Garlic, the main character (protagonist), and Celery the bully (antagonist), a Carrot best friend, and a witch looking over them all.

Witch Agnes’ mirror magic made me jump along with Garlic and her friends, and I felt for wee worrying, Garlic and what she was about to face. The illustrations in this Graphic novel are so expressive, considering they’re on vegetables, and the tension builds the closer Garlic gets to the castle.

Garlic’s personal growth and realisation that she is not a constant disaster and actually is quite brave; is heartening. The concept of misconception of an enemy or fear is then dealt with in a fun way, and I feel is always welcome in our world where misjudging people is rife.

Sweet.

Author / Illustrator – Bree Paulsen

Age – 8+

Graphic Novel

Read a review for the 2nd part of Garlic’s story (Click on the Cover)

(2022, Harper Collins, Humour, Courage, Historical, Magic, Vampire, Count, Mystery, Anxiety, Anxious, Best friend, Graphic Novel, Witch)